National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils

Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence

The National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils (NADDC) is a national organization which represents Developmental Disabilities (DD) Councils, appointed by the governor of each state, to plan, advocate and work for change on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

NADDC is an effective member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, a coalition of more than 100 national disability organizations. The mission of the NADDC is to promote national policy which enables individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to make choices regarding the quality of their lives and to exercise control over their participation in the community. The NADDC provides support and assistance to member Councils at the state and national levels.

NADDC was created in 1974 by DD Councils to aid them in carrying out their mandated responsibilities under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and to be their representative voice in Washington. NADDC acts as the standard-bearer for people with DD and the state councils that represent them, obtains increased funding for the DD Basic State Grant Program, and mobilizes DD councils by means of Alerts on various topics including long term services, health care, housing, and the like.

At the state level, NADDC helps DD Councils solve problems in management and in systems advocacy and build their capacities to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. NADDC publishes Highlights, a monthly newsletter which informs DD Councils on current federal policy and lists critical issues and activities nationwide.

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